CN112888667B

CN112888667B - Docking station for robotic cleaner

Info

Publication number: CN112888667B
Application number: CN201980069467.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 特雷弗·霍夫曼; 安德烈·D·布朗; 安德洛莫达·哈夫曼
Original assignee: Sharkninja Operating LLC
Current assignee: Sharkninja Operating LLC
Priority date: 2018-10-22
Filing date: 2019-10-22
Publication date: 2023-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-22
Also published as: CA3117300C; CA3117300A1; AU2019365813B2; KR20210078534A; US11627854B2; US20200121148A1; WO2020086526A1; CN112888667A; AU2019365813A1; EP3870555A1; JP2022505532A; CN212186367U; JP7247333B2; EP3870555A4

Abstract

A docking station for a robotic cleaner may include a housing, at least one charging contact coupled to the housing, and at least three optical transmitters disposed within the housing. The at least three optical emitters may comprise: a first optical transmitter configured to generate a first optical signal within a first transmission field; a second optical emitter configured to generate a second optical signal within a second emission field; and a third optical emitter configured to generate a third optical signal within a third emission field. The third optical emitter may be disposed between the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter. The first optical signal, the second optical signal, and the third optical signal may be different from each other. The third optical signal may be configured to direct the robotic cleaner in the direction of the housing.

Description

Docking station for robotic cleaner

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/748,807 entitled "Docking Station for Robotic Cleaner (docking station for robotic cleaner)" filed on month 10 of 2018 and U.S. provisional application No. 62/782,651 entitled "Docking Station for Robotic Cleaner (docking station for robotic cleaner)" filed on month 12 of 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a docking station for a robotic cleaner, and more particularly to a docking station for a robotic cleaner configured to generate a signal for guiding the robotic cleaner to the docking station.

Background

The robotic cleaner may include a chassis having one or more drive wheels coupled thereto for moving the robotic cleaner over a surface to be cleaned. The one or more drive wheels may be powered by one or more batteries electrically coupled thereto. Over time, the power stored by the one or more batteries may drop below a threshold amount, indicating that the robotic cleaner should be moved to a position such that the one or more batteries are recharged. For example, the robotic cleaner may be moved to a docking station configured to cause one or more batteries to be recharged.

The docking station may be configured to transmit one or more signals (e.g., optical signals) detectable by the robotic cleaner. The robotic cleaner may navigate to the docking station using the transmitted signals. For example, the docking station may transmit a first navigation signal and a second navigation signal configured to overlap, and the robotic cleaner may be configured to determine whether the first signal, the second signal, or both the first signal and the second signal are detected. Based on this determination, the robotic cleaner may adjust its direction of movement so that the robotic cleaner may interface with the docking station. However, the robotic cleaner may not consistently achieve proper alignment with the docking station when docked based on detecting an overlap of the two signals. Thus, adjustments to the robotic cleaner (e.g., by movement) may be required in order to obtain proper alignment (e.g., to sufficiently align the docking station so that one or more batteries may be recharged).

Drawings

These and other features and advantages will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

fig. 1A is a schematic example of a docking station and robotic cleaner consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is another illustrative example of a docking station and robotic cleaner consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1C is another illustrative example of a docking station and robotic cleaner consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a docking station, which may be an example of the docking station of FIG. 1B, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a transmitter shadow box housing that can be used with the docking station of fig. 2 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram of a circuit configured to combine a first modulation signal and a second modulation signal to generate a third modulation signal that may be used with the docking station of fig. 2 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a transmitter shadow box housing that can be used with, for example, the docking station of fig. 1B consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a transmitter shadow box that can be used with, for example, the docking station of fig. 1B consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of an emitted field of the transmitter shadow box housing of fig. 6 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical transmitter shadow box that can be used with, for example, the docking station of fig. 1B consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical transmitter shadow box of fig. 8 taken along line IX-IX consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 illustrates an example of an emitted field of the transmitter shadow box of fig. 8 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 illustrates an example of an emitted field of three emitters, each emitter disposed within a respective emitter shadow box of fig. 8, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 illustrates an orientation of the emitter of fig. 11 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 illustrates another example of an emitted field of three emitters, each emitter disposed within a respective emitter shadow box of fig. 8, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 illustrates an orientation of the emitter of fig. 13 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical transmitter shadow box that can be used with, for example, the docking station of fig. 1B consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16 illustrates an example of an emitted field of the emitter shadow box of fig. 15 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17 illustrates an example of an emitted field of three emitters, each emitter disposed within a respective emitter shadow box of fig. 15, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 18 illustrates an orientation of the emitter of fig. 17 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 19 shows an example of the transmitted fields of three transmitters, each transmitter disposed within a respective transmitter shadow box of fig. 15, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 20 illustrates an orientation of the emitter of fig. 19 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21 shows a schematic view of a transmitter shadow box housing that can be used with, for example, the docking station of fig. 1C consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 22 shows an illustrative example of the transmitter shadow box housing of fig. 21 and an illustrative example of a receiver shadow box housing configured to be coupled to, for example, a robotic cleaner, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 23 shows a schematic example of the transmitter shadow box housing of fig. 21 and a schematic example of the receiver box of fig. 22 in a non-aligned state consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 24 shows an illustrative example of a docking station configured to transmit a single docking signal consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 25 shows a perspective view of a transmitter shadow box housing having first, second and third transmitter shadow boxes, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 26 shows a top view of an exemplary arrangement of the first, second and third emitter shadow boxes of fig. 25 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 27 illustrates an example of an emission field of the shadow box housing of fig. 26 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 28 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a transmitter shadow box consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, which may be an example of the first, second, and/or third transmitter shadow box of fig. 25.

Fig. 29 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the emitter shadow box of fig. 28 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a sender-shadow box housing consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of an emitter shadow box housing consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, which may be an example of the emitter shadow box housing of fig. 30.

Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the transmitter shadow box housing of fig. 31 taken along line XXXII-XXXII consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the transmitter shadow box housing of fig. 31 taken along line XXXIII-XXXIII consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 34 is an example of an emission pattern corresponding to the emitter shadow box housing of fig. 31 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 35 is an enlarged view of a portion of the emission pattern of fig. 34 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of an emitter shadow box housing consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, which may be an example of the emitter shadow box housing of fig. 30.

Fig. 37 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the transmitter shadow box housing of fig. 36 taken along line XXXVII-XXXVII consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 38 is an example of an emission pattern corresponding to the emitter shadow box housing of fig. 36 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 39 is an enlarged view of the emission pattern of fig. 38 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 40 is a schematic example of a docking station and robotic cleaner consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 41 is an example of a receiver shadow box housing configured for use with the robotic cleaner of fig. 40 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 42 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a transmitter shadow box housing consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates generally to docking stations for robotic cleaners (e.g., robotic vacuum cleaners). The docking station includes a housing, at least three signal transmitters, and a charging contact configured to power the robotic cleaner. The at least three signal emitters are configured to emit signals within a detection zone extending at least partially around the housing. The first and second signal emitters may be disposed within the housing and configured to emit first and second signals, respectively. The signals emitted from the first and second signal emitters may not have substantial overlap within the detection zone (e.g., the robotic cleaner is undetectable). The third signal transmitter may be configured to transmit a third signal extending between the first signal and the second signal within the detection zone. The first, second and third signals may be optical, acoustic, radio frequency and/or any other type of signal. The first, second, and third signals may each have different characteristics (e.g., pulse at different rates).

The robotic cleaner may be configured to adjust its path of movement based at least in part on the detection of the first, second, or third signals. Detection of the first signal or the second signal may cause the robotic cleaner to turn in the direction of the third signal. Detecting the third signal (e.g., in the absence of the first signal and the second signal) may cause the robotic cleaner to follow the third signal until the robotic cleaner engages (e.g., contacts) the docking.

In some cases, the docking station may be configured such that the third signal is detectable at least in the detection zone without the first signal and the second signal. A portion of the detection zone where the third signal is detectable without the first and second signals may be configured to be narrower relative to the emission fields of the first and second emitters. For example, the third emitter may be configured to generate a narrow emission field and/or the emission field of the third emitter may be configured to overlap a portion of the emission fields of the first emitter and the second emitter such that the third signal may be detected without a portion of the detection zone of the first and second signals having a desired width. The measure of the width of the detection zone where the third signal may be detected without the first and second signals may be based at least in part on a desired alignment tolerance between the robotic cleaner and the docking station when the robotic cleaner engages (e.g., contacts) the docking station.

Improving the alignment of the robotic cleaner with the docking station may result in a more consistent docking. Thus, operations such as charging the robotic cleaner and/or discharging debris from the dust cup of the robotic cleaner may be easier to accomplish. For example, when debris is discharged from a dust cup of a robotic cleaner, one or more evacuation ports may need to achieve a predetermined alignment in order for the dust cup to be fluidly coupled to a docking station.

Fig. 1A shows a schematic example of a docking station 10 and a robotic cleaner 12. As shown, the docking station 10 is configured to generate at least one docking signal 14 (e.g., an optical signal, such as an infrared signal generated by a light emitting diode, an acoustic signal, such as an ultrasonic signal generated by an acoustic transducer, and/or any other type of signal). The docking signal 14 is configured to direct the robotic cleaner 12 to the docking station 10. For example, when the robotic cleaner 12 detects the docking signal 14, the robotic cleaner 12 may be configured to follow the docking signal 14 until the robotic cleaner 12 engages (e.g., contacts) the docking station 10 such that, for example, the robotic cleaner 12 is electrically coupled to one or more charging contacts 11 of the docking station 10. The alignment of the robotic cleaner 12 with the docking station 10 (e.g., the orientation of the robotic cleaner 12 relative to the docking station 10) may be based at least in part on the width 16 of the docking signal 14. For example, the narrow width 16 may be such that an axis 18 of the robotic cleaner 12 extending parallel to the forward travel direction of the robotic cleaner 12 is substantially aligned with the central axis 13 of the docking signal 14, for example.

In some cases, the docking station 10 may be configured to generate the proximity signal 20 extending from both sides of the docking station 10. The proximity signal 20 may indicate to the robotic cleaner 12 that the robotic cleaner 12 is proximate the docking station 10. This may cause, for example, the robotic cleaner 12 to enter a search routine in which the robotic cleaner 12 searches for at least one docking signal 14. In some cases, the proximity signal 20 may be generated by at least two transmitters, each disposed on opposite sides of the docking station 10.

In some cases, the docking station 10 may be configured to move (e.g., slide or pivot) relative to the robotic cleaner 12 when the robotic cleaner 12 engages (e.g., contacts) the docking station 10. Thus, if the robotic cleaner 12 is approaching the docking station 10 in a misaligned orientation (e.g., an orientation in which the robotic cleaner 12 is not electrically coupled to the docking station 10), the docking station 10 may be configured to move such that the robotic cleaner 12 may still be aligned with the docking station 10. In these cases, for example, only a single docking signal 14 may be used. When only a single docking signal 14 is used, the width 16 of the docking signal 14 may be based on the degree of movement (e.g., sliding or pivoting) through which the docking station 10 is movable. Thus, the width 16 of the docking signal 14 may be increased such that the robotic cleaner 12 may more easily position the docking signal 14 without substantially compromising the ability of the robotic cleaner 12 to electrically couple to the docking station 10.

Fig. 1B illustrates an exemplary example of a docking station 100 and robotic cleaner 102, which may be an example of the docking station 10 and robotic cleaner 12 of fig. 1A. As shown, the docking station 100 includes a housing 104 having a first optical emitter 106 (shown in phantom), a second optical emitter 108 (shown in phantom), and a third optical emitter 110 (shown in phantom) coupled thereto. As shown, the third optical emitter 110 is disposed between the first optical emitter 106 and the second optical emitter 108. The first optical transmitter 106 is configured to transmit a first optical signal 112 within a first transmit field 114, the second optical transmitter 108 is configured to transmit a second optical signal 116 within a second transmit field 118, and the third optical transmitter 110 is configured to transmit a third optical signal 120 within a third transmit field 122. As shown, the first and second transmit fields 114, 118 do not substantially overlap each other (e.g., the robotic cleaner 102 cannot detect any overlap) within the detection zone 124 of the docking station 100. As also shown, a third transmit field 122 extends between the first transmit field 114 and the second transmit field 118. The third emitted field 122 may overlap at least a portion of one or more of the first emitted field 114 and the second emitted field 118 within the detection zone 124. The detection zone 124 may generally be described as an area where the signal strength of one or more of the optical signals 112, 116, and 120 is sufficient to be detected by the robotic cleaner 102 and/or above a predetermined threshold.

The robotic cleaner 102 may have one or more sensors 126 configured to detect one or more of the optical signals 112, 116, and/or 120. For example, when the sensor 126 detects the second optical signal 116, the robotic cleaner 102 may be configured to turn (e.g., left turn) toward the third emission field 122. When the robotic cleaner 102 detects the third optical signal 120, the robotic cleaner 102 may be configured to move such that the sensor 126 maintains detection (e.g., follows) of the third optical signal 120 while moving toward the docking station 100. Thus, the third optical signal 120 may be used to guide the robotic cleaner 102 to the docking station 100. Similarly, for example, when the sensor 126 detects the first optical signal 112, the robotic cleaner 102 may be configured to turn (e.g., right turn) toward the third transmission field 122 such that the robotic cleaner 102 may follow the third optical signal 120 to the docking station 100. For example, the third optical signal 120 may be used to direct the robotic cleaner to one or more charging contacts 121 of the docking station 100 such that the robotic cleaner 102 may be electrically coupled to the one or more charging contacts 121.

Alignment of the robotic cleaner 102 with the docking station 100 may be based at least in part on the width 128 of the third emission field 122. Width 128 may be based at least in part on emission angle α of third emitter 110. Thus, the area of the detection zone 124 where the third optical signal 120 can be detected without the first optical signal 112 and the second optical signal 116 can be reduced by, for example, reducing the emission angle α. As the area of the detection zone 124 where the third optical signal 120 may be detected decreases, the alignment of the robotic cleaner 102 with the docking station 100 may be improved. For example, when the third transmission field 122 is narrowed, the deviation of the robot cleaner 102 from the center line 123 of the third transmission field may be reduced.

In some cases, and as shown, the first and second emission fields 114, 118 may overlap with at least a portion of the third emission field 122. In these cases, for example, when the robot cleaner 102 detects the first overlap region 130 formed by the overlap of the first emitted field 114 and the third emitted field 122, the robot cleaner 102 may turn toward a center portion (e.g., right) of the third emitted field 122. As a further example, when the robotic cleaner 102 detects the second overlap region 132 formed by the overlap of the second and third emitted fields 118, 122, the robotic cleaner may turn toward a center portion (e.g., left) of the emitted fields 122. When the robotic cleaner 102 is no longer within the first and second overlap regions 130, 132 and still detects the third optical signal 120, the robotic cleaner 102 may move toward the docking station 100 by maintaining detection of the third optical signal 120 in the absence of the first and second signals 112, 116. Thus, improved alignment with the docking station 100 may be obtained by reducing the area within the detection zone 124 where the robotic cleaner 102 does not detect the first optical signal 112 and/or the second optical signal 116 simultaneously with the third optical signal 120. Therefore, the deviation of the robot cleaner 102 from the center line 123 can be reduced.

Fig. 1C shows an illustrative example of a docking station 134 and robotic cleaner 136, which may be an example of the docking station 10 and robotic cleaner 12 of fig. 1A. As shown, the docking station 100 includes a housing 138 having a first optical emitter 140 (shown in phantom), a second optical emitter 142 (shown in phantom), and a third optical emitter 144 (shown in phantom). The first optical transmitter 140 is configured to transmit a first optical signal 146 within a first transmit field 148, the second optical transmitter 142 is configured to transmit a second optical signal 150 within a second transmit field 152, and the third optical transmitter 144 is configured to transmit a third optical signal 154 within a third transmit field 156. As shown, for at least a portion of the detection region 157, at least a portion of the first, second, and third emission fields 148, 152, 156 overlap each other. The detection zone 157 may generally be described as a region of signal strength of one or more of the optical signals 146, 150, and 154 sufficient to be detected by the robotic cleaner 136 and/or above a predetermined threshold.

When the robot cleaner 136 detects the first optical signal 146 or the second optical signal 150 without the third optical signal 154, the robot cleaner 136 is configured to turn toward the third emission field 156. When the robot cleaner 136 detects the third optical signal 154, the robot cleaner follows the third optical signal 154 until the robot cleaner engages (e.g., contacts) the docking station 134. In other words, when the robot cleaner 136 detects the third optical signal 154, the robot cleaner 136 does not navigate using the first optical signal 146 and the second optical signal 150. Alignment of the robotic cleaner 136 relative to the docking station 134 may be improved by having the width 158 measurement of the third emitted field 156 be less than the width 160 of the first emitted field 148 and/or the width 162 of the second emitted field 152.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a docking station 200 (which may be an example of the docking station 100 of fig. 1B) and a robotic vacuum cleaner 202 (which may be an example of the robotic cleaner 102 of fig. 1B). As shown, the docking station 200 is configured to generate a left signal 204, a right signal 206, and an intermediate (e.g., homing) signal 208. Each of the left signal 204, the right signal 206, and the middle signal 208 may be modulated according to a respective modulation mode such that the robotic vacuum cleaner 202 may distinguish between each of the generated signals. In some cases, for example, the intermediate signal 208 may be configured similar to a signal generated by overlapping the left signal 204 and the right signal 206 within the detection zone 210 (fig. 4 shows an example of a circuit configured to generate the intermediate signal 208 using a modulation pattern of the left signal 204 and the right signal 206).

As shown, the left signal 204 and the right signal 206 do not overlap within a detection zone 210 extending around the docking station 200. As also shown, the left signal 204 and the right signal 206 may overlap with the intermediate signal 208 within the detection zone 210. Thus, navigation of the robotic cleaner 202 to the docking station 200 may be based at least in part on the signals it detects.

For example, when attempting to position the docking station 200, the robotic vacuum cleaner 202 may be configured to move in the direction of the intermediate signal 208 in response to detecting one of the left signal 204 or the right signal 206. The robotic vacuum cleaner 202 may determine that it is moving toward the intermediate signal 208 by detecting a respective overlap region 209 or 211 corresponding to an overlap between the intermediate signal 208 and a respective one of the left signal 204 or the right signal 206. When a respective one of the overlap regions 209 or 211 is detected, the robotic vacuum cleaner 202 may continue to move according to its current orientation until the intermediate signal 208 is detected without the left and right signals 204 and 206. The robotic vacuum cleaner 202 may then orient itself to move in a direction toward the docking station 200. If, after detecting the intermediate signal 208 without the left signal 204 and the right signal 206, the robotic vacuum cleaner 202 encounters the respective overlap region 209 or 211, the robotic vacuum cleaner 202 may be configured to turn away from the overlap region 209 or 211. In other words, the robotic vacuum cleaner 202 may move back and forth between the overlap regions 209 and 211 until the robotic vacuum cleaner 202 engages (e.g., contacts) the docking station 200 and/or attains a desired orientation that is generally aligned with the docking station 200.

The separation distance 212 extending between the left signal 204 and the right signal 206 may be measured in the range of 25.4 centimeters (cm) and 66 centimeters, as measured at 2.13 meters (m) from the docking station 200. As a further example, the separation distance 212 as measured at 2.13m from the docking station 200 may be measured to be about 45.7cm. The angle β between the left signal 204 and the right signal 206 may be measured to be about 12.2 ° when the separation distance 212 measured at 2.13m from the docking station is about 45.7cm.

The overlap angle μ extending between the left edge of the intermediate signal 208 and the right edge of the left signal 204 may be measured, for example, in the range of 3 ° and 7 °. As another example, the overlap angle μmay be measured to be about 4.7 °. Similarly, the overlap angle θ extending between the right edge of the intermediate signal 208 and the left edge of the right signal 206 may be measured, for example, in the range of 3 ° and 7 °. As another example, the overlap angle θ may be measured to be about 4.7 °. In some cases, at least two of angle β, overlap angle μ, and/or overlap angle θ may be measured to be substantially the same.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an example of a transmitter shadow box housing 300 disposed within a docking station 200. As shown, the emitter shadow box housing 300 may include a left shadow box 303 defining a left emitter compartment 302, a right shadow box 305 defining a right emitter compartment 304, and a middle shadow box 307 defining a middle emitter compartment 306. Each compartment 302, 304, and 306 is configured to receive a respective transmitter. As shown, at least a portion of the left and right emitter compartments 302, 304 may be blocked by a light shield 308. The light shield 308 is configured to block a portion of light generated by the respective emitters within the left and right emitter compartments 302, 304. By blocking a portion of the generated light, the left signal 204 and the right signal 206 may be prevented from overlapping within the detection zone 210.

In some cases, the left and right emitters may be configured to be vertically offset from the middle emitter. For example, the middle emitter may be disposed below the left and right emitters, and the left and right emitters may be disposed on a common horizontal plane. In some cases, the left emitter, the right emitter, and the middle emitter may each be disposed on a common horizontal plane. For example, the horizontal plane may be substantially aligned with one or more corresponding receptacles on the robotic vacuum cleaner 202.

The inner side walls 310 of the left compartment 302, the right compartment 304, and the middle compartment 306 may or may not reflect the emitted light. When the inner side walls 310 do not reflect light, internal reflection within the compartments 302, 304, and 306 may be reduced. However, such a configuration may cause at least a portion of the light to diffuse, some of which may escape the respective compartment 302, 304, or 306. Changing the geometry and/or size of the compartments 302, 304, and 306 and/or the bezel 308 may change the size and/or shape of the left signal 204, the right signal 206, and the intermediate signal 208.

Fig. 4 shows a circuit diagram 400 of a circuit configured to generate intermediate signal 208 using modulation patterns of transmitters corresponding to left signal 204 and right signal 206. As shown, the circuit includes: a plurality of NOR gates 402, each configured to receive a respective modulation pattern corresponding to one of the left signal 204 or the right signal 206; an OR gate 404 configured to combine the modulation modes, and an NPN transistor 406 for inverting the combined signal, the inverted signal being used to generate the intermediate signal 208.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a transmitter shadow box housing 500 configured for use with, for example, docking station 100 of fig. 1B. As shown, the transmitter shadow box housing 500 can include a first optical transmitter 502, a second optical transmitter 504, and a third optical transmitter 506, wherein the third optical transmitter 506 is disposed between the first optical transmitter 502 and the second optical transmitter 504. The first central axis 501 of the first optical emitter 502 may deviate from the second central axis 503 of the second optical emitter 504 as the distance from the emitter shadow box housing 500 in the emitting direction of the first optical emitter 502, the second optical emitter 504, and the third optical emitter 506 increases. In other words, the first optical emitter 502 and the second optical emitter 504 may emit light in divergent directions.

The transmitter shadow box housing 500 can include a plurality of shadow boxes 507, 509, and 511 defining transmitter compartments 508, 510, and 512 configured to receive a respective one of the first optical transmitter 502, the second optical transmitter 504, and the third optical transmitter 506. Each of the compartments 508, 510, and 512 may be configured to shape and/or direct emitted light. For example, the first and second compartments 508, 510 may be configured to shape and/or direct light emitted by the first and second optical emitters 502, 504, respectively, such that the light emitted by the first and second optical emitters 502, 504 does not substantially overlap (e.g., the robotic cleaner does not detect any overlap) within the detection zone 514 of the docking station. The third compartment 512 may be configured to shape and/or direct light emitted by the third optical emitter 506 such that at least a portion of the light emitted by the third optical emitter 506 overlaps with at least a portion of the light emitted by the first optical emitter 502 and the second optical emitter 504.

As shown, the transmitter shadow box housing 500 may be configured such that when light is emitted from each of the first optical emitter 502, the second optical emitter 504, and the third optical emitter 506, there is a docking region 516 within the detection region 514 that extends between the light emitted by the first optical emitter 502 and the second optical emitter 504. In other words, while in this area, the robotic cleaner detects light emitted by the third optical emitter 506 and no light emitted by the first optical emitter 502 and the second optical emitter 504. The width 518 of the docking region 516 may be narrowed by increasing the overlap of light generated by one or more of the first optical emitter 502 and the second optical emitter 504 with light generated by the third optical emitter 506. As the robotic cleaner follows the light generated by the third optical emitter 506, the alignment of the robotic cleaner relative to the docking station may be improved by reducing the width 518 of the docking region 516. In some cases, the width 518 may be measured substantially constant for a majority (e.g., at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%) of the detection zone 514.

Fig. 6 shows an example of a transmitter shadow box 600 (shown transparent for clarity) that may be configured for use with, for example, the docking station 100 of fig. 1B. As shown, the emitter shadow box 600 defines at least one cylindrical emitter compartment 602. The cylindrical compartment 602 is configured to receive a respective optical emitter (e.g., one of the first optical emitter 502, the second optical emitter 504, and the third optical emitter 506). The diameter 604 of the cylindrical compartment 602 may be measured, for example, as about 6 millimeters (mm), and the height 606 of the cylindrical compartment 602 may be measured, for example, as about 10mm. As also shown, the cylindrical compartment 602 may be centered within the sender shadow box 600. In some cases, when multiple emitter shadow boxes 600 are included within a shadow box housing, the separation distance between the centers of two adjacent cylindrical compartments 602 may be measured, for example, as about 20mm.

Fig. 7 shows an example of the emitted field (or light propagation) of an emitter disposed within the emitter shadow box 600 when the emitter shadow box 600 is formed of foam. The diffusion is shown as extending up to a range of 182.88 centimeters (cm).

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a cylindrical transmitter shadow box 800 that may be configured for use with, for example, the docking station 100 of fig. 1B. The transmitter shadow box 800 includes a cylindrical transmitter compartment 802, wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical compartment 802 is configured to receive a corresponding transmitter (e.g., one of the first optical transmitter 502, the second optical transmitter 504, and the third optical transmitter 506). In some cases, a plurality of cylindrical emitter shadow boxes 800 may be included within an emitter shadow box housing.

As shown, the cylindrical transmitter shadow box 800 includes a first cylindrical portion 804 and a second cylindrical portion 806 extending from the first cylindrical portion 804, wherein the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 806 is measured to be smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 804. As shown, the first cylindrical portion 804 and the second cylindrical portion 806 may be arranged concentrically.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical transmitter shadow box 800 taken along line IX-IX of fig. 8. As shown, the cylindrical compartment 802 may define a first cavity 900 and a second cavity 902. The first cavity 900 may be defined in the first cylindrical portion 804 and may be configured to receive a respective emitter (e.g., one of the first optical emitter 502, the second optical emitter 504, and the third optical emitter 506), and the second cavity 902 may be defined in the second cylindrical portion 806 and may have a diameter 904 measured less than a diameter 906 of the first cavity 900, the diameter 906 of the first cavity 900 may correspond to a diameter of the emitter received therein. The second cavity 902 may be configured to at least partially collimate light generated by the emitter.

As shown, the diameter 906 of the first cavity 900 may measure about 5mm and the diameter 904 of the second cavity 902 may measure about 4mm. Also as shown, the first cylindrical portion diameter 908 may measure about 25mm, the second cylindrical portion diameter 910 may measure about 16mm, the first cylindrical portion height 912 may measure about 8mm, and the second cylindrical portion height 914 may measure about 10mm.

Fig. 10 shows an example of the emission field (or light diffusion) of an emitter disposed within the emitter shadow box 800 when the emitter shadow box 800 is formed from polyoxymethylene (e.g., as sold by DuPont under the trade name DELRIN). The diffusion shows a range of up to 182.88 cm.

Fig. 11 shows an example of the emitted fields of three emitters, each emitter being disposed within a respective emitter shadow box 800 in an orientation corresponding to that shown in fig. 12. As shown, in fig. 12, each of the emitters 1200, 1202, and 1204 are spaced apart from one another, and the first emitter 1200 and the second emitter 1202 are angled with respect to the third emitter 1204. For example, each of the emitters 1200, 1202, and 1204 may be spaced about 15mm apart from each other and oriented such that adjacent emitters are at about 37 ° angle relative to each other. As shown in fig. 11, such a configuration may create gaps 1100 and/or 1102 between the emission field of the third emitter 1204 and the respective emission fields of the first emitter 1200 and the second emitter 1202.

Fig. 13 shows an example of the emitted fields of three emitters, each emitter being disposed within a respective emitter shadow box 800 in an orientation corresponding to that shown in fig. 14. As shown in fig. 14, each of the emitters 1400, 1402, and 1404 are spaced apart from each other, and the first emitter 1400 and the second emitter 1402 are angled with respect to the third emitter 1404. For example, the first emitter 1400, the second emitter 1402, and the third emitter 1404 may be spaced apart by about 50mm and oriented such that adjacent emitters are at an angle of about 18 ° relative to each other. As shown in fig. 13, such a configuration may create overlap regions 1300 and/or 1302 between the transmit field of the third transmitter 1404 and the respective transmit fields of the first transmitter 1400 and the second transmitter 1402. The narrowest width 1304 extending between the emitted fields of the first emitter 1400 and the second emitter 1402 may indicate that the robotic cleaner is to engage (e.g., contact) the docking station.

Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical transmitter shadow box 1500 that may be configured for use with, for example, the docking station 100 of fig. 1B. The transmitter shadow box 1500 includes a cylindrical transmitter compartment 1502, wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical compartment 1502 is configured to receive a respective transmitter (e.g., one of the first optical transmitter 502, the second optical transmitter 504, and the third optical transmitter 506). In some cases, a plurality of cylindrical emitter shadow boxes 1500 can be included within an emitter shadow box housing.

As shown, the cylindrical transmitter shadow box 1500 includes a first cylindrical portion 1504 and a second cylindrical portion 1506 extending from the first cylindrical portion 1504, wherein the second cylindrical portion 1506 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 1504 as measured. As shown, the first cylindrical portion 1504 and the second cylindrical portion 1506 may be arranged concentrically.

As also shown, the cylindrical compartment 1502 may define a first cavity 1508 and a second cavity 1510. A first cavity 1508 may be defined in the first cylindrical portion 1504 and may be configured to receive a respective emitter (e.g., one of the first optical emitter 502, the second optical emitter 504, and the third optical emitter 506), and a second cavity 1510 may be defined in the second cylindrical portion 1506 and may have a diameter 1512 measured less than a diameter 1514 of the first cavity 1508, the diameter 1514 of the first cavity 1508 may correspond to a diameter of the emitter received therein. Second cavity 1510 may be configured to at least partially collimate light generated by the emitter.

As shown, the diameter 1514 of the first cavity 1508 may measure about 5mm and the diameter 1512 of the second cavity 1510 may measure about 4mm. Also as shown, the first cylindrical portion diameter 1516 may measure about 25mm, the second cylindrical portion diameter 1518 may measure about 16mm, the first cylindrical portion height 1520 may measure about 8mm, and the second cylindrical portion height 1522 may measure about 5mm.

Fig. 16 shows an example of the emission field (or light diffusion) of an emitter disposed within the emitter shadow box 1500 when the emitter shadow box 1500 is formed from polyoxymethylene (as sold by DuPont under the trade name DELRIN). The diffusion shows a range of up to 182.88 cm.

Fig. 17 shows an example of the emitted fields of three emitters, each emitter being disposed within a respective emitter shadow box 1500 in an orientation corresponding to that shown in fig. 18. As shown in fig. 18, each of the transmitters 1800, 1802, and 1804 are spaced apart from each other, and the first transmitter 1800 and the second transmitter 1802 may be angled with respect to the third transmitter 1804. For example, the first emitter 1800, the second emitter 1802, and the third emitter 1804 may be spaced apart from one another by about 25mm and oriented such that adjacent emitters are at an angle of about 45 ° relative to one another. As shown in fig. 17, such a configuration may create gaps 1700 and/or 1702 between the transmit field of the third transmitter 1804 and the corresponding transmit fields of the first transmitter 1800 and the second transmitter 1802.

Fig. 19 shows an example of the emitted fields of three emitters, each emitter being disposed within a respective emitter shadow box 1500 in an orientation corresponding to that shown in fig. 20. As shown, in fig. 20, each of the emitters 2000, 2002, and 2004 are spaced apart from one another, and the first emitter 2000 and the second emitter 2002 may be angled with respect to the third emitter 2004. For example, the first emitter 2000, the second emitter 2002, and the third emitter 2004 may be spaced apart from one another by about 12mm and oriented such that adjacent emitters are at an angle of about 43 ° relative to one another. As shown in fig. 19, such a configuration may create overlap regions 1900 and/or 1902 between the emission field of the third emitter 2004 and the respective emission fields of the first emitter 2000 and the second emitter 2002.

Fig. 21 shows a schematic example of a transmitter shadow box housing 2100 that can be used with, for example, docking station 134 of fig. 1C. As shown, transmitter shadow box housing 2100: including a first shadow box 2101 defining a first transmitter compartment 2102 having a first optical transmitter 2104; a second shadow box 2103 defining a second transmitter compartment 2106 having a second optical transmitter 2108; and a third shadow box 2105 defining a third transmitter compartment 2110 having a third optical transmitter 2112, wherein the third optical transmitter 2112 is disposed between the first optical transmitter and the second optical transmitter 2104. In some cases, the first optical emitter 2104, the second optical emitter 2108, and the third optical emitter 2112 may be arranged along a common horizontal plane (e.g., a plane substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned).

As shown, the third compartment 2110 substantially encloses the third optical emitter 2112 such that light emitted from the third optical emitter 2112 passes through an aperture 2114 defined in the third compartment 2110. Thus, the light emitted from the third compartment 2110 may be generally described as collimated. The apertures 2114 may have a circular, rectangular, square, and/or any other shape. Thus, the shape of the aperture may be configured such that the aperture 2114 obscures at least one side of the third optical emitter 2112. For example, the shape of the aperture 2114 may be configured such that the aperture 2114 only obscures both sides (e.g., left and right sides or top and bottom) of the third optical emitter 2112. The blocking of the top and bottom sides of the third optical emitter 2112 may at least partially determine the detection distance of the third optical emitter 2112, and the blocking of the left and right sides of the third optical emitter may at least partially determine the width of the signal emitted by the third optical emitter 2112.

As also shown, the first compartment 2102 and the second compartment 2106 are defined, at least in part, by a first shield 2116 and a second shield 2118, respectively, extending in a direction away from the third compartment 2110. The first and second shields 2116, 2118 include portions of the first and second optical emitters 2104, 2108 such that light emitted by the first and second optical emitters 2104, 2108 can have a desired shape (e.g., to control an amount of overlap between emissions generated by the first, second, and/or third emitters 2104, 2108, 2112). In some cases, the sides of the first and second compartments 2102, 2106 opposite the first and second shields 2116, 2118 may be open. The first shield 2116 and the second shield 2118 may be configured to block one or more sides of the first optical emitter 2104 and the second optical emitter 2108. For example, the first and second shields 2116, 2118 may be configured to block only two sides (e.g., left and right sides or top and bottom) of the first and second optical emitters 2104, 2108, respectively. The blocking of the top and bottom sides of the first and second optical emitters 2104, 2108 may at least partially determine the detection distance of the first and second optical emitters 2104, 2108, and the blocking of the left and right sides of the first and second optical emitters may at least partially determine the width of the emitted signal of the first and second optical emitters 2104, 2108.

Fig. 22 shows a schematic example of the transmitter shadow box housing 2100 of fig. 21 and a schematic example of a receiver shadow box housing 2200 configured to be coupled to, for example, a robotic cleaner. As shown, receiver shadow box housing 2200 includes a first optical receiver 2202 and a second optical receiver 2204 configured to receive one or more of first optical signal 2206, second optical signal 2208, and/or third optical signal 2210, respectively, generated by first optical emitter 2104, second optical emitter 2108, and/or third optical emitter 2112, respectively.

As shown, when receiver shadow box housing 2200 is aligned with transmitter shadow box housing 2100, each of first optical receiver 2202 and second optical receiver 2204 can detect third optical signal 2210. In other words, when both the first optical receiver 2202 and the second optical receiver 2204 detect the third optical signal 2210, the robotic cleaner may be properly aligned with the docking station by maintaining detection (e.g., following) of the third optical signal 2210. Accordingly, when the third optical signal 2210 is detected, the robotic cleaner need not determine whether the first optical signal 2206 and the second optical signal 2208 are detected.

Fig. 23 shows a schematic example of the transmitter shadow box housing 2100 of fig. 21 and a schematic example of the receiver shadow box housing 2200 of fig. 22 in a misaligned condition. As shown, when misaligned, only one of the optical receivers 2202 and 2204 may detect the third optical signal 2210. In this case, for example, a robotic cleaner having a receiver shadow box housing 2200 coupled thereto may be moved in a direction such that the other of the optical receivers 2202 or 2204 detects the third optical signal. When the other of the optical receivers 2202 or 2204 detects the third optical signal 2210, the robotic cleaner may be moved to an orientation in an attempt to achieve or maintain the third optical signal 2210 detected by both of the optical receivers 2202 and 2204. Thus, the robotic cleaner may oscillate the receiver shadow box housing 2200 about the third optical signal 2210 at least before obtaining the robotic cleaner engagement docking station and/or the desired orientation (e.g., alignment with a central axis of the third optical signal 2210). As the width 2300 of the third optical signal 2210 increases (e.g., by increasing the size of the aperture 2114), the robotic cleaner may more readily obtain an orientation in which the optical receivers 2202 and 2204 simultaneously detect the third optical signal 2210. However, as the width 2300 increases, the alignment of the robotic cleaner relative to the docking station may decrease as the robotic cleaner engages (e.g., contacts) the docking station.

Fig. 24 shows a schematic diagram of a docking station 2400, which may be an example of the docking station 10 of fig. 1A. The docking station 2400 is configured to transmit a single docking signal 2404 and at least one proximity signal 2406. The robotic cleaner 2408 with the forward signal receiver 2410 and the first and second backward signal receivers 2412, 2414 is configured to follow the docking signal 2404 until the robotic cleaner 2408 engages the docking station 2400. When following the docking signal 2404, the robotic cleaner 2408 may approach the docking station 2400 in a misaligned orientation (e.g., an orientation relative to the docking station 2400 in which the robotic cleaner 2408 would not be electrically coupled to the docking station 2400). In these cases, the docking station 2400 may be configured to move (e.g., pivot or slide) in response to the robotic cleaner 2408 engaging the docking station 2400. Movement of the docking station 2400 may be configured to correct misalignment of the robotic cleaner 2408 relative to the docking station 2400.

The rearward receivers 2412, 2414 may be used to determine the pose of the robotic cleaner 2408. For example, the determination of the pose of the robotic cleaner 2408 may be based on whether one or both of the rearward receivers 2412 and 2414 are detecting the proximity signal 2406.

Fig. 25 shows a perspective view of a shadow box housing 2501 having a first transmitter shadow box 2500, a second transmitter shadow box 2502, and a third transmitter shadow box 2504, which may be configured for use with, for example, the docking station 100 of fig. 1B. As shown, each of the emitter shadow boxes 2500, 2502, and 2504 is disposed (or defined) within the shadow box housing 2501 such that a third emitter shadow box 2504 is disposed between the first shadow box 2500 and the second shadow box 2502. In other words, the sender shade cassettes 2500, 2502, and 2504 can be generally described as being defined within a housing that is coupled to or formed by a robotic cleaner. Each of the transmitter shadow boxes 2500, 2502, and 2504 is configured to receive a respective optical transmitter, each optical transmitter configured to transmit a different optical signal.

As shown in fig. 26, the first emitter shadow box 2500 and the second emitter shadow box 2502 can be spaced apart from each other and angled with respect to the third emitter shadow box 2504. For example, and as shown, the first shadow box 2500 and the second shadow box 2502 can be positioned such that the optical emitters corresponding to the first shadow box 2500 and the second shadow box 2502 are spaced apart from one another by about 35mm and at an angle of about 23 ° relative to the optical emitters corresponding to the third shadow box 2504. Fig. 27 shows an example of the emitted fields of three emitters, each emitter being disposed within a respective emitter shadow box of emitter shadow boxes 2500, 2502, and 2504 in an orientation corresponding to that shown in fig. 26.

As shown in fig. 27, a channel 2700 may extend between a first emission field 2702 corresponding to a first optical emitter and a second emission field 2704 corresponding to a second optical emitter. The channel 2700 may correspond to a portion of a third emitted field 2706 corresponding to a third optical emitter, wherein signals emitted by the third optical emitter may be detected without signals emitted by the first and second optical emitters. The width 2708 of the channel 2700 can be substantially constant for a majority of the length 2710 of the channel 2700. As shown, the channel 2700 may extend only a portion of the length of the detection region 2712.

Fig. 28 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of an example of a transmitter shadow box 2800, which may be an example of one or more of the first transmitter shadow box 2500, the second transmitter shadow box 2502, or the third transmitter shadow box 2504. As shown, the emitter shadow box 2800 includes a base portion 2801 and a collimating portion 2803. The collimating portion 2803 includes a cylindrical portion 2802 and a frustoconical portion 2804 extending around the cylindrical portion 2802. A cavity 2806 is defined within the collimating portion 2803, having a shape generally corresponding to the cylindrical portion 2802 and frustoconical portion 2804 of the collimating portion 2803. An orifice 2808 extends from an outer surface 2810 of the frustoconical portion 2804 and into the cavity 2806. For example, the orifice 2808 may extend from the top planar surface of the frustoconical portion 2804 and into the cavity 2806. In some cases, aperture 2808 may be a circular aperture, wherein aperture 2808 is concentric with optical emitter 2812. In these cases, cylindrical collimator 2814 may extend from aperture 2808 in the direction of optical emitter 2812.

As shown, base portion 2801 and collimating portion 2803 are configured to couple to each other. In some cases, the emitter shadow box 2800 can be formed from a single unitary piece.

As also shown, the base portion 2801 is configured to receive an optical emitter 2812. For example, the base portion 2801 may define a socket 2816 for receiving at least a portion of the optical emitter 2812 and the socket is configured to align the optical emitter 2812 relative to, for example, the aperture 2808. In some cases, socket 2816 is configured to align a central axis 2818 of optical emitter 2812 with a central axis 2820 of aperture 2808. For example, socket 2816 may be configured to align optical emitter 2812 such that optical emitter 2812 is concentric with aperture 2808. Alignment of the optical emitter 2812 may affect the shape and/or size of the emitted field of the optical emitter 2812.

Fig. 29 shows a cross-sectional view of a transmitter shadow box 2800, which illustrates an example reflection pattern of optical emission 2900 generated by an optical emitter 2812.

Fig. 30 shows a perspective view of an example of a transmitter shadow box housing 3000 that includes a first transmitter shadow box 3002 defining a first transmitter compartment 3004, a second transmitter shadow box 3006 defining a second transmitter compartment 3008, and a third transmitter shadow box 3010 defining a third transmitter compartment 3012. The third shadow box 3010 is disposed between the first shadow box 3002 and the second shadow box 3006. The first and second shadow boxes 3002, 3006 include respective output apertures 3014, 3016 through which light within the respective compartment 3004 or 3006 may be emitted. The output apertures 3014, 3016 comprise at least one dimension that is smaller than the respective dimension of the respective compartment 3004 or 3006. Thus, the output apertures 3014, 3016 may generally be described as being configured to shape light emitted therefrom.

As shown, the third shadow box 3010 includes an optical shaper 3018. The optical shaper 3018 is configured to shape the light such that at least two illumination zones are formed using the light emitted from the third compartment 3012. Each illumination zone may have, for example, a different intensity such that the robotic cleaner may detect only one illumination zone at a predetermined distance away from the transmitter shadow box housing 3000.

Optical shaper 3018 may include one or more optical barriers 3020. For example, optical shaper 3018 may include a plurality of optical barriers 3020 defining optical shaping channel 3022 and a plurality of optical dispersion channels 3024 on opposite sides of optical shaping channel 3022. Optical dispersion channel 3024 may be generally described as being configured to increase the width of the optical signal at a location proximate to optical shadow box housing 3000 (when compared to the width of light emitted from optical shaping channel 3022 at a location proximate to shadow box housing 3000). Optical dispersion channel 3024 may be configured such that the intensity of light emitted therefrom is measured to be less than the intensity of light emitted from optical shaping channel 3022. Thus, the light emitted from the optical dispersion channel 3024 may be configured such that it is detected by the robot cleaner only for a part of the detection distance of the light emitted from the optical shaping channel 3022. In other words, the optical shaper 3018 may be configured to increase the propagation of detectable light emitted from the third shadow box 3010 at a location proximate to the shadow box housing 3000. The increase in detectable light may be used, for example, by a robotic cleaner to determine its proximity to the docking station. For example, in some cases, the detectable light emitted from the third shadow box 3010 proximate to the shadow box housing 3000 and/or docking station may extend up to 180 ° around the shadow box housing 3000 and/or docking station.

Fig. 31 shows a top perspective view of a shadow box housing 3100, which may be an example of the transmitter shadow box housing 3000 of fig. 30. For clarity, a portion of the shadow box housing 3100 is shown as transparent. As shown, the shadow box housing 3100 includes a first emitter shadow box 3102 defining a first emitter compartment 3104, a second emitter shadow box 3106 defining a second emitter compartment 3108, and a third emitter shadow box 3110 defining a third emitter compartment 3112. The first compartment 3104 and the second compartment 3108 each include a first divider 3114, a second divider 3116, and a third divider 3118. The first, second, and third separators 3114, 3116, and 3118 are configured such that light can pass through a portion of each of the separators 3114, 3116, and 3118. Thus, the first, second, and third dividers 3114, 3116, and 3118 may be configured to shape light passing therethrough, for example, to have a predetermined size and/or shape when emitted from the respective shadow boxes 3102 or 3106.

The partitions 3114, 3116 and 3118 define a first discrete region 3120, a second discrete region 3122 and a third discrete region 3124. The dispersion regions 3120, 3122, and 3124 are configured to reflect light that does not pass through the respective spacers 3114, 3116, and 3118 within the respective dispersion region 3120, 3122, or 3124. The reflection of light within the respective dispersion region 3120, 3122, or 3124 reduces the intensity of the light such that a majority of the light emitted from the respective shadow box 3102 or 3106 generally conforms to the shape defined by the portions of the dividers 3114, 3116, and 3118 through which the light can pass.

As shown, the third compartment 3112 includes an optical shaper 3126. The optical shaper 3126 may include one or more optical barriers 3128. As shown, the optical shaper 3126 includes a plurality of optical barriers 3128 such that optical shaping channels 3130 are defined between the optical barriers 3128. The optical shaping channel 3130 is configured to shape light emitted from the third compartment 3112. In some cases, the optically shaping channel 3130 can increase in width along the emission direction 3134. A plurality of optically dispersive channels 3129 are disposed on opposite sides of the optically shaping channel 3130. The optically dispersive channel 3129 is configured to reduce the intensity of light emitted therefrom. The optically dispersive channels 3129 are at least partially defined by the guiding surfaces 3132 of the respective optical barriers 3128. The guiding surface 3132 is configured such that light incident thereon is reflected within the third compartment 3112. As the number of reflections increases, the intensity of the light decreases. For example, the guide surface 3132 may include an arcuate surface configured to reflect light in a direction opposite the emission direction 3134 such that light is reflected from the surface of the third compartment 3112 and at least a portion of the reflected light may be emitted from the third compartment 3112.

Fig. 32 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the shadow box housing 3100 taken along line XXXII-XXXII of fig. 31. As shown, the first, second, and third dividers 3114, 3116, and 3118 each include respective apertures 3200, 3202, and 3204 through which light generated by an optical emitter 3206 (e.g., a light emitting diode) passes. For example, and as shown, apertures 3200, 3202, and 3204 may each have a circular shape. The measure of the diameter of each aperture 3200, 3202, and 3204 may increase in the emission direction along an emission axis 3208 of light emitter 3206. In other words, the diameter of the first aperture 3200 may be measured smaller than the diameter of the second aperture 3202, and the diameter of the second aperture 3202 may be measured smaller than the diameter of the third aperture 3204. By including a plurality of apertures 3200, 3202, and 3204, each having a different diameter, light emitted from third aperture 3204 may have an emission cone 3203 of a predetermined shape and/or size. For example, the first, second, and third orifices 3200, 3202, 3204 may be configured such that the emission cone 3203 has a diffusion angle Φ in a range extending between 0 ° and 180 °. As a further example, the diffusion angle phi may be measured in the range of 15 deg. to 55 deg.. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent light emitted from at least the first and second shadow boxes 3102 and 3106 from overlapping within a detection region extending around the shadow box housing 3100.

The spacers 3114, 3116 and 3118 may be spaced apart from each other by a separation distance measured in a range of, for example, 2 millimeters (mm) to 5 mm. As a further example, the dividers 3114, 3116 and 3118 may be spaced apart from each other by a spacing distance of about 3.5 mm.

Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional top view of the shadow box housing 3100 taken along line XXXIII-XXXIII of fig. 31. As shown, each of apertures 3200, 3202, and 3204 may include a respective tapered region 3300, 3302, and 3304. Each tapered region 3300, 3302, and 3304 tapers in a direction opposite to the light emission direction (e.g., such that the diameter of each of apertures 3200, 3202, and 3204 increases with increasing distance from the optical emitter). The tapered regions 3300, 3302, and 3304 are configured to reflect light incident thereon within the respective dispersion regions 3120, 3122, or 3124, which may reduce the amount of back reflection. The reflection of light within the dispersion zones 3120, 3122, and 3124 reduces the intensity of the reflected light such that the robot cleaner does not detect the reflected light. Thus, the detectable portion of light emitted from a respective one of the shadow boxes 3102 or 3106 corresponds to a predetermined size and/or shape.

In some cases, the surfaces defining the dispersion regions 3120, 3122, and 3124 can be configured to be reflective (e.g., reflect at least 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% of the light incident thereon). In other cases, the surfaces defining the dispersion regions 3120, 3122, and 3124 can be configured to be matte (e.g., less than 10% reflecting light incident thereon). The use of reflective surfaces rather than matte surfaces may allow greater control over the shape of the light emitted from the respective shadow boxes 3102 and 3106.

The shadow boxes 3102, 3106, and 3110 are arranged such that light emitted from the first shadow box 3102 and the second shadow box 3106 diverges in the direction of emitted light from the shadow box housing 3100, and light emitted from the third shadow box 3110 extends therebetween. As also shown, each of the shadow boxes 3102, 3106, and 3110 defines an optical emitter socket 3306, 3308, and 3310. Each optical emitter socket 3306, 3308, 3310 is configured to receive at least a portion of a respective optical emitter.

The shape and/or size of emission cone 3203 may be based at least in part on a minimum diameter of each of apertures 3200, 3202, and 3204, a cone angle γ measured between emission axis 3208 and cone surfaces 3305, 3307, 3309 of cone regions 3300, 3302, 3304, and/or a size of the light emitter (e.g., a diameter of emitted light is measured to be greater than a diameter of at least first aperture 3200). For example, the minimum diameter of each of apertures 3200, 3202, and 3204, the taper angle γ, and/or the size of optical emitter 3206 may affect the intensity of emitted light within a predetermined region. Thus, adjusting the minimum diameter of each of apertures 3200, 3202, and 3204, taper angle γ, and/or the size of optical emitter 3206 may allow for adjusting the intensity distribution of the emitted signal.

The taper angle γ may be measured in a range between 0 ° and 180 °, for example. As a further example, the taper angle γ may be measured in the range of 40 ° to 80 °. As yet another example, the taper angle γ may be measured in the range of 50 ° to 70 °. As yet another example, the taper angle γ may be measured as 60 °.

The smallest diameter of the first orifice 3200 may be measured, for example, in the range of 4mm to 8mm, the smallest diameter of the second orifice 3202 may be measured, for example, in the range of 5.5mm to 9.5mm, and the smallest diameter of the third orifice 3204 may be measured, for example, in the range of 7mm to 10.5 mm. In some cases, the minimum diameter of the orifices 3200, 3202, and/or 3204 may be dynamically adjustable (e.g., using an adjustable gate).

Although the orifices 3200, 3202, and 3204 are shown in a generally circular shape, the orifices 3200, 3202, and 3204 are not limited to circular shapes. For example, apertures 3200, 3202, and/or 3204 may be square, oval, octagonal, and/or any other shape. While tapered surfaces 3305, 3307, and 3307 are generally shown as diverging in a direction of movement away from optical emitter 3206, in some cases tapered surfaces 3305, 3307, and 3307 may converge in a direction of movement away from optical emitter 3206.

Fig. 34 shows an example of an emission pattern corresponding to the shadow box housing 3100. The illustrated emission pattern is shown extending 1.8288m (or 6 feet) from the shadow box housing 3100. As shown, a gap 3400 extends between the first signal 3402 and the second signal 3404. The first signal 3402 corresponds to light emitted from the first shadow box 3102 and the second signal 3404 corresponds to light emitted from the second shadow box 3106. At least a portion of the third signal 3406 may extend within the gap 3400 between the first signal 3402 and the second signal 3404. Fig. 35 shows an enlarged view of the emission pattern of fig. 34 so that the width of the gap 3400 at various distances from the shadow box housing 3100 can be shown.

Fig. 36 shows a top perspective view of an emitter shadow box housing 3600, which may be an example of the emitter shadow box housing 3000 of fig. 30. For clarity, a portion of the transmitter shadow box housing 3600 is shown as transparent. As shown, the transmitter shadow box housing 3600 includes: a first emitter shadow box 3602 that defines a first emitter compartment 3604; a second emitter shadow box 3606 that defines a second emitter compartment 3608; and a third emitter shadow box 3610 defining a third emitter compartment 3612.

The first and second compartments 3604, 3608 each include a first divider 3614 and a second divider 3616. The first and second separators 3614 and 3616 are configured such that light can pass through a portion of each of the separators 3614 and 3616. Accordingly, the first and second dividers 3614, 3616 can be configured to shape light passing therethrough, for example, to have a predetermined shape and/or size when emitted from the respective shadow boxes 3602 or 3606.

Third compartment 3612 may include an optical shaper 3618. As shown, the optical shaper includes a plurality of optical barriers 3620 such that an optical channel 3622 is defined between the plurality of barriers 3620. The optical channel 3622 is configured to shape light emitted from the third compartment 3612. A plurality of dispersion channels 3623 are disposed on opposite sides of optical channel 3622 and are at least partially defined by guide surfaces 3624 of a respective one of barriers 3620. The optically dispersive channel 3623 is configured to reduce the intensity of light emitted therefrom.

Fig. 37 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the transmitter shadow box housing 3600 taken along line XXXVII-XXXVII of fig. 36. As shown, first divider 3614 and second divider 3616 each include respective apertures 3700 and 3702 through which light generated by optical emitters 3704 (e.g., light emitting diodes) passes. For example, and as shown, the apertures 3700, 3702 may each have a circular shape, wherein the measure of the diameter of each of the apertures 3700, 3702 increases with increasing distance from the optical emitter 3704. As also shown, each aperture 3700, 3702 may include a respective tapered region 3706, 3708.

The smallest diameter of the first orifice 3700 may be measured, for example, in the range of 2.0mm to 10.0mm, and the smallest diameter of the second orifice 3702 may be measured, for example, in the range of 2.5mm to 10.5 mm. In some cases, the minimum diameter of apertures 3700 and/or 3702 may be dynamically adjustable (e.g., using an adjustable gate).

Although the orifices 3700, 3702 are shown in a generally circular shape, the orifices 3700, 3702 are not limited to circular shapes. For example, apertures 3700 and/or 3702 may be square, oval, octagonal, and/or any other shape. While the tapered surfaces defining the tapered regions 3706, 3708 are generally shown as diverging in a direction of movement away from the optical emitter 3704, in some cases they may converge in a direction of movement away from the optical emitter 3704.

Fig. 38 shows an example of an emission pattern corresponding to the emitter shadow box housing 3600. The illustrated emission pattern extends six feet from the transmitter shadow box housing 3600. As shown, a first gap 3800 and a second gap 3802 extend between the first signal 3804 and the second signal 3806, the second gap 3802 being spaced apart from the first gap 3800. The overlap region 3808 may extend between the first gap 3800 and the second gap 3802. At least a portion of the third signal 3810 extends within the first gap 3800 and the second gap 3802 and through the overlap region 3808 such that the robotic cleaner may follow the third signal 3810. Fig. 39 shows an enlarged view of the emission pattern of fig. 38, so that the width of the overlap region 3808 at different positions can be shown.

Fig. 40 shows an illustrative example of a docking station 4000 and a robotic cleaner 4002, which may be examples of the docking station 10 and the robotic cleaner 12 of fig. 1A, respectively. As shown, the robotic cleaner 4002 includes a receiver shadow box housing 4004 (shown in phantom) configured to have one or more receivers 4006 (shown in phantom) disposed therein. The receiver 4006 is configured to detect an intermediate signal 4010 emitted by the docking station 4000 and extending within a gap 4011 between side signals 4013 and 4015 (e.g., left-right signals). The measure of the receiver shadow box housing opening width 4012 can generally correspond to the measure of the gap width 4014 corresponding to the gap 4011. For example, a measure of the receiver shadow box housing opening width 4012 can be measured to be substantially equal to the narrowest measure of the gap width 4014. Such a configuration may allow the robotic cleaner 4002 to more accurately follow the intermediate signal 4010 by, for example, limiting (e.g., preventing) interference caused by the side signals 4013, 4015.

In some cases, the robotic cleaner 4002 may include a plurality of receiver shadow box housings 4004, each having one or more of the receivers 4006. The receiver shadow box housing 4004 can be disposed on an opposite side of the robotic cleaner 4002. For example, each receiver shadow box housing 4004 can be disposed along a central axis that extends substantially parallel to the forward direction of movement of the robotic cleaner 4002. When using a plurality of receiver shadow box housings 4004, the robotic cleaner 4002 may access the docking station 4000 in a first direction using one or more receivers 4006 disposed within one of the receiver shadow box housings 4004, and upon reaching a predetermined distance from the docking station 4000, the robotic cleaner 4002 may be configured to rotate (e.g., substantially 180 °) and move in a second direction (which is substantially opposite the first direction) and align with the docking station 4000 using one or more receivers 4006 of another of the receiver shadow box housings 4004 so as to move into engagement (e.g., contact) with the docking station 4000.

In some cases, the robotic cleaner 4002 may include a plurality of side sensors 4016 (shown in phantom) disposed on opposite sides of the receiver shadow box housing 4004. The side sensor 4016 may be configured to determine a pose of the robotic cleaner 4002 relative to the docking station 4000 based on the sensor 4016 detecting, for example, the mid signal 4010 and/or the side signals 4013, 4015.

Fig. 41 shows a cross-sectional view of a receiver shadow box housing 4100, which may be an example of receiver shadow box housing 4004 of fig. 40. As shown, the receiver shadow box housing 4100 includes a first receiver shadow box 4102 defining a first receiver compartment 4104 and a second receiver shadow box 4106 defining a second receiver compartment 4108. The first compartment 4104 is configured to receive at least a portion of a first optical receiver 4110 and the second compartment 4108 is configured to receive at least a portion of a second optical receiver 4112. First compartment 4104 and second compartment 4108 can each be at least partially defined by respective guide surfaces 4105, 4109. The guiding surfaces 4105, 4109 may extend transverse to the receiving axes 4111, 4113 of a respective one of the first optical receiver 4110 and the second optical receiver 4112.

As shown, the guiding surfaces 4105 and 4109 diverge in a direction away from the first optical receiver 4110 and the second optical receiver 4112. In other words, the measure of the separation distance 4114 extending between the guide surfaces 4105, 4109 increases as the distance from the first optical receiver 4110 and the second optical receiver 4112 increases. For example, the separation distance 4114, measured at its maximum, may be substantially equal to the narrowest width of the detectable signal generated by the docking station 4000 of fig. 40.

As shown, optical barrier 4116 separates first compartment 4104 from second compartment 4108. The optical barrier 4116 includes an optical shield 4118 that is spaced apart from and extends at least partially over a respective one of the first optical receiver 4110 and/or the second optical receiver 4112. Thus, the optical shield 4118 extends at least partially within the respective compartments of the first compartment 4104 and the second compartment 4108.

Fig. 42 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of an example of a transmitter shadow box housing 4200. As shown, the emitter shadow box housing 4200 includes a first emitter shadow box 4202 defining a first emitter compartment 4204, a second emitter shadow box 4206 defining a second emitter compartment 4208, and a third emitter shadow box 4210 defining a third emitter compartment 4212. As shown, the third emitter shadow box 4210 is disposed between the first emitter shadow box 4202 and the second emitter shadow box 4206. The first emitter shadow box 4202 and the second emitter shadow box 4206 each include a first divider 4214, a second divider 4216, and a third divider 4218. Each of the first, second, and third separators 4214, 4216, and 4218 includes apertures 4220, 4222, and 4224 through which light may pass. The apertures 4220, 4222, and 4224 may be configured to shape light passing therethrough.

As also shown, the third transmitter shadow box 4206 includes a first optical shield 4226 and a second optical shield 4228, each extending from opposite sides of the third transmitter compartment 4212. The first optical shield 4226 and the second optical shield 4228 extend into the third transmitter compartment to define an optical channel 4230 through which light is emitted. As shown, the optical channels 4230 may be aligned with a central axis 4232 of a corresponding optical emitter 4234. The optical channel 4230 may be configured to shape light passing therethrough.

Examples of docking stations for robotic cleaners consistent with the present disclosure may include a housing, at least one charging contact coupled to the housing, and at least three optical transmitters disposed within the housing. The at least three optical emitters may comprise: a first optical transmitter configured to generate a first optical signal within a first transmission field; a second optical emitter configured to generate a second optical signal within a second emission field; and a third optical emitter configured to generate a third optical signal within a third emission field. The third optical emitter may be disposed between the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter, and the first optical signal, the second optical signal, and the third optical signal may be different from each other, wherein the third optical signal is configured to direct the robotic cleaner in a direction of the housing.

In some cases, the first and second transmit fields may not have substantial overlap within the detection zone. In some cases, at least a portion of the third emitted field may extend in a region between the first emitted field and the second emitted field, the region corresponding to a location where the robot cleaner detects the third optical signal without the first optical signal and the second optical signal. In some cases, at least a portion of the first, second, and third emission fields may overlap each other for at least a portion of the detection zone. In some cases, the docking station may further include at least three shadow boxes disposed within the housing, each shadow box corresponding to a respective one of the first, second, and third optical emitters. In some cases, the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter may be angled with respect to the third optical emitter. In some cases, the first optical emitter, the second optical emitter, and the third optical emitter may be aligned along a common horizontal plane. In some cases, the third optical emitter may be vertically offset from the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter. In some cases, the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter may be aligned along a common horizontal plane.

Examples of robotic cleaning systems consistent with the present disclosure may include a robotic cleaner having at least one optical receptacle and a docking station having at least one charging contact and at least three optical emitters. The at least three optical emitters may comprise: a first optical transmitter configured to generate a first optical signal within a first transmission field; a second optical emitter configured to generate a second optical signal within a second emission field; and a third optical emitter configured to generate a third optical signal within a third emission field. The third optical emitter may be disposed between the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter, and the first optical signal, the second optical signal, and the third optical signal may be different from one another, wherein the third optical signal is configured to direct the robotic cleaner in the direction of the docking station.

In some cases, the first optical emission field and the second optical emission field may not have substantial overlap within the detection zone. In some cases, at least a portion of the third emitted field may extend in a region between the first emitted field and the second emitted field, the region corresponding to a location where the robot cleaner detects the third optical signal without the first optical signal and the second optical signal. In some cases, the first, second, and third emission fields may overlap each other within at least a portion of the detection zone. In some cases, the robotic cleaning system may include at least three shadow boxes disposed within the docking station, each shadow box corresponding to a respective one of the first, second, and third optical emitters. In some cases, the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter may be angled with respect to the third optical emitter. In some cases, the first optical emitter, the second optical emitter, and the third optical emitter may be aligned along a common horizontal plane. In some cases, the third optical emitter may be vertically offset from the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter. In some cases, the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter may be aligned along a common horizontal plane. In some cases, the robotic cleaner may be moved toward the third optical signal when one of the first or second optical signals is detected by the at least one optical receiver. In some cases, when the at least one optical receiver detects the third optical signal, the robotic cleaner may be caused to follow the third optical signal until the robotic cleaner engages the docking station such that the robotic cleaner is electrically coupled to the at least one charging contact.

While the disclosure herein generally discloses that the signal transmitter is disposed on the docking station and the signal receiver is disposed on the robotic cleaner, in some cases the signal transmitter may be disposed on the robotic cleaner and the signal receiver may be disposed on the docking station. In these cases, the docking station may be configured to transmit a movement signal to the robotic cleaner based on the signal transmitted from the robotic cleaner, such that the robotic cleaner may adjust its position relative to the docking station. Thus, the robotic cleaner may be navigated to the docking station based on the communications received from the docking station.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not limited except by the following claims.

Claims

1. A docking station for a robotic cleaner, comprising:

A housing;

at least one charging contact coupled to the housing;

at least three optical emitters disposed within the housing, the at least three optical emitters comprising:

a first optical transmitter configured to generate a first optical signal within a first transmission field;

a second optical emitter configured to generate a second optical signal within a second emission field; and

a third optical emitter configured to generate a third optical signal within a third emission field, the third optical emitter disposed between the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter, and the first optical signal, the second optical signal, and the third optical signal being different from each other, wherein the third optical signal is configured to direct a robotic cleaner in a direction of the housing;

a first shadow box corresponding to the first optical emitter;

a second shadow box corresponding to the second optical emitter, the first and second shadow boxes each having first, second, and third dividers, each having a respective aperture that shapes light passing therethrough, and the first and second shadow boxes each having a reflective interior surface; and

And a third shadow box corresponding to the third optical emitter, the first shadow box, the second shadow box, and the third shadow box being disposed within the housing.

2. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the first and second transmit fields do not have substantial overlap within a detection zone.

3. The docking station of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the third transmitted field extends in a region between the first transmitted field and the second transmitted field, the region corresponding to a location where the robotic cleaner detected the third optical signal without the first optical signal and the second optical signal.

4. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third transmit fields overlap one another for at least a portion of a detection zone.

5. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter are angled relative to the third optical emitter.

6. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the first optical emitter, the second optical emitter, and the third optical emitter are aligned along a common horizontal plane.

7. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the third optical emitter is vertically offset from the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter.

8. The docking station of claim 7, wherein the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter are aligned along a common horizontal plane.

9. A robotic cleaning system, comprising:

a robotic cleaner having at least one optical receiver; and

a docking station, the docking station having:

at least one charging contact;

at least three optical emitters, the at least three optical emitters comprising:

a third optical emitter configured to generate a third optical signal within a third emission field, the third optical emitter disposed between the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter, and the first optical signal, the second optical signal, and the third optical signal being different from each other, wherein the third optical signal is configured to direct the robotic cleaner in a direction of the docking station; and

A first shadow box corresponding to the first optical emitter;

a third shadow box, the third shadow box corresponding to the third optical emitter.

10. The robotic cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein the first optical emission field and the second optical emission field do not have substantial overlap within the detection zone.

11. The robotic cleaning system of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the third emitted field extends in a region between the first emitted field and the second emitted field, the region corresponding to a location where the robotic cleaner detected the third optical signal without the first optical signal and the second optical signal.

12. The robotic cleaning system of claim 9, wherein the first, second, and third emission fields overlap each other for at least a portion of a detection zone.

13. The robotic cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter are angled relative to the third optical emitter.

14. The robotic cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein the first optical emitter, the second optical emitter, and the third optical emitter are aligned along a common horizontal plane.

15. The robotic cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein the third optical emitter is vertically offset from the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter.

16. The robotic cleaning system according to claim 15, wherein the first optical emitter and the second optical emitter are aligned along a common horizontal plane.

17. The robotic cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein the robotic cleaner is moved toward the third optical signal when the at least one optical receiver detects one of the first optical signal or the second optical signal.

18. The robotic cleaning system of claim 17, wherein when the at least one optical receiver detects the third optical signal, the robotic cleaner is caused to follow the third optical signal until the robotic cleaner engages the docking station such that the robotic cleaner is electrically coupled to the at least one charging contact.